Link to book: Introduction to the Enneagram Tickets
What is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is thought to be the oldest human development model in existence – its roots go back five thousand years.
Like all timeless wisdom, the Enneagram transcends its ancient origins and remains contemporary in its incredible accuracy and practical application. The Enneagram typology identifies nine different behavioural models; each of these nine types represents a contraction of our personality and provides
a particular filter through which we see the world, as well as presenting dominant patterns of behaviour in our lives.
The Enneagram also represents a map of nine distinct qualities of the soul, called the ‘Holy Idea’ or the ‘Holy Virtue’. These are the ‘higher’ transpersonal gifts and aspirations that we are born to realise, and in turn, offer to the world. Through developing awareness of our own ego types, we can begin a journey of transformation to wholeness through the unique gifts of the nine different souls. The Enneagram is a psychological model depicting the mechanical behaviour that largely runs our lives – its medicine is a spiritual practice.
Will it make a difference to my everyday life?
The Enneagram offers the opportunity to better understand yourself, and others habitual patterns of thought and behaviour in response to particular stimuli. This provides a tangible opportunity for personal growth and developing compassion for yourself and other people.
What will the event be like?
The main emphasis of the two-day event will be studying and working with the Enneagram in the context of contemplation and meditation throughout. The most important aspect of this study is ‘practising presence’ through inner attention. This will involve simple meditative body practices to develop attention, in order to enable connection with the inner observer.
The underlying premise is that we can’t study the ego with the ego itself. In other words, we need to be able to stand back and observe more impartially, with no judgement, as judgement comes from the type itself.
What will happen at the Workshop?
Gordon will be providing an overview of the nine different types with a broad understanding of the implications of each type and enabling us to see our lives though this typology. The weekend will be divided into exploration of the nine types through the three centres or brains:
– the body (types 8,9,1)
– the heart (types 2,3,4)
– the head (types 5,6,7)
There will be a ‘typing’ exercise, allowing participants to identify themselves with one of the nine types. There will also be interactive group work in panels organised by type/centre. He will do this in an atmosphere of ‘contemplative sense enquiry’. Activities will include a walking meditation, seated meditation, working on one’s own, in pairs and groups.
About Gordon Melvin
Gordon originally trained as an artist and was ordained an Anglican priest in 1988. He worked for many years as a senior chaplain in the NHS before leaving in 2004 to teach the Enneagram. He now runs Enneagram classes in several different countries, always in the context of spiritual practice and meditation. He is passionate about his work and is a wonderful speaker who will be able to guide us through to a
meaningful understanding of the Enneagram and our place in it.
Practical event information
Date 9.30am – 5.00pm Friday 27th and Saturday 28th October 2023
Venue St Luke’s Church, 61 Aylsham Road, Norwich NR3 2HF
Ticket prices: Full price ticket £120 Concessionary ticket (student/retired/unwaged) £75
Booking information
To reserve a place on the Introduction to the Enneagram workshop please book here
Catering information
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Please consider bringing a packed lunch with you for both days of the event. Alternatively there is a small convenience store and a takeaway in walking distance.
What happens after the event?
After the Introduction to the Enneagram weekend, all participants are welcome to join us in our ongoing Enneagram Study Group – Enneagram
Alive East Anglia, (part of a growing Enneagram community in the UK).
We meet on the last Wednesday of the month (excluding December) from 7.00 – 9.00pm.
For further information contact Martin Smith at gorgoburger@ntlworld.com
